Tag: education

Blessed Carlo Acutis relic now at Cathedral

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice has secured a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.

Blessed Carlo Acutis was a young Italian teenager with a deep love for the Eucharist and an inspiring faith in God. Blessed Carlo was born in 1991 and dedicated his short life to spreading the devotion to the Eucharist, which he called the “highway to heaven.” Known for his exceptional skill with computers, Blessed Carlo created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, using technology as a way to share his faith. He died from leukemia in 2006 when he was only 15.

The relic was obtained by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral, while he was on retreat in October and had the opportunity to pray at the Shrine of the Renunciation in Assisi, Italy, where Carlo Acutis’ body is permanently exposed.

“While there, I visited the Chancery and, as a means to continue in some way the Bishop Conference’s outreach last year for a greater Eucharistic Revival, and also, so as to enable our parishioners, our school children, and indeed, all the faithful who would visit Epiphany, I asked if our Cathedral in Venice could be given a first class relic of the soon to be canonized, Blessed Carlo Acutis,” Msgr. Dubois stated.

Thanks to the kindness and support of Most Reverend Domenico Sorrentino, the Archbishop of Assisi, the request was immediately granted, and Msgr. Dubois was elated to bring back with him the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane formally welcomed the relic to the Cathedral during a prayer service following a Mass for students at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School on Nov. 5, 2024.

“Blessed Carlo Acutis spent his whole life devoted to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.  He understood his invitation to the Banquet of the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “He always kept Christ at the center of his life. He never forgot that invitation he had to the Banquet that Christ prepares for all of us. Despite his illness, he didn’t ask to be excused from going to church for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or prayers. He heard those excuses of people who weren’t there at the Banquet and he kept his word to Jesus. You and I are called to do the same. Called to remember; called to pray; called to come to the Mass – the Eucharistic celebration – and to love God and love our neighbor.”

As part of the prayer service, Bishop Dewane incensed the relic and led the students in prayer for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis

“A relic is a representation of the individual and reminds us that we have to follow the example of these young men and women who have become or are on a journey to become saints. We have to strive to do that in our own lives,” Bishop Dewane continued.” You might think that’s pretty severe. It is not. It is doing what the Lord asks us to do.”

In a decree on May 23, Pope Francis approved a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, paving the way for him to become the first millennial saint. The recognition of the second miracle attributed to Acutis’ intercession means he will be canonized during Jubilee of Youth Festival on April 27, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, which is part of the larger Jubilee Year.

While housed in the temporary church being used while Epiphany Cathedral is being renovated, the relic was put on display during the 2024 Diocese of Venice Youth Rally on Nov. 16, in Punta Gorda. The relic, in its reliquary and travelling case, was appropriately placed in the temporary Adoration Chapel set up for the Youth Rally.

Relics

Relics are usually broken down into three classes. First-class relics are the body or fragments of the body of a Saint. The Blessed Carlo Acutis relic is in this category. Second-class relics are something that personally belonged to a Saint such as a shirt, prayer card, sacred vessel or vestment, or book (or fragments of those items). Third-class relics are items that a Saint touched or that have been touched to a first- or second-class relic of a Saint. Sacred Scripture teaches that God can act through relics, especially in terms of healing and intercession.

Most Catholic church altars are embedded with relics. Many Parish churches host additional relics for veneration.

Reverencing the saints through the use of relics is not a required devotion of the Catholic Church but does reflect the Church’s belief that the saints in Heaven continue to intercede for us in response to our prayers. However, veneration of the saints through their relics — along with praying the rosary, wearing medals and going on pilgrimages — should not be misconstrued as adoration or worship, which are due to God alone according to the Church.

Diocesan Catholic high schools shine at States – Verot cross country State Champs

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The following is a recap of sports achievements by athletes of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Venice:

Bishop Verot runners take state title

For the first time in history, the Bishop Verot Catholic High School boy’s cross country team won a FSHAA 2A State Championship on Nov. 15, 2024, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

The Viking boys from Fort Myers dethroned the four-time defending state champions with the top five Verot runners combining their time of 1:22:07.50, to earn 65 points, 18.5 seconds faster than The Bolles School of Jacksonville, a state powerhouse in cross country.

The top Verot runner was Andrew Marino, a senior who took bronze with a time 15:59.5. Also making the podium was Zachary Zielke, another senior who finished in 5th place with a time of 16:03.5. Their fellow senior teammates also did great: Dennis Olsen, 10th place, Zachary Engle, 19th, and Rafael Casillas, 39th. The future of the Verot cross country team also did well with junior Thomas Eichten finishing 79th, and freshman Christian Ginart, placing 174th among 233 competitors.

On the girls side, the Bishop Verot team placed 25th overall out of 32 teams. Senior Mackenzie de Lisle, placed 5th, with a time of 18:37. Mackenzie was the individual regional champion and finished second in the same event in 2023. Other runners on the regional championship Verot team who qualified for the state competition were Caroline Muddell, Jocelyn Sweeney, Lea Scotti, Zoe McCurry, Lana Schmidt, and Gianna Gyurich.

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School cross country senior runner Paul Svilokos from Sarasota qualified for the State Championship and finished 36th.

In the 1A cross country championships, the girls’ team at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples finished 21st overall, while the team from Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria finished 22nd out of 32 teams. The top Donahue runner was senior Isabelle Meyer who placed 25th overall, while the top Neumann runner was senior Emma Collins who finished 78th overall.

Cardinal Mooney swimmers excel at States

In the FSHAA 1A swimming state championships on Nov. 16 at FAST in Ocala, Cardinal Mooney High School swimmers made a splash, capping off a successful season filled with shattered school records, numerous personal best times, nine swimmers advancing to the state level, and remarkable team spirit, competing against the top athletes in the state.

The Mooney boys’ team finished 12th overall out of 46 teams, while the girls finished 31st out of 44 teams.

In the relay events, the Boys 200-Yard Medley Relay team brought home a podium spot, placing 8th (Jack Gilliam, Daniel Krajewski, Turner Mitten, and Michael Navarro-Lenza). The Girls 200-Yard Medley Relay team finished in 16th place (Sofia Krajewski, Iza Lesniewska, Kiley Renick, and Noelle Troiano). Both relay teams broke school records, etching their names into the CMHS history books.

Individually, Daniel Krajewski earned an impressive 6th-place podium finish in both the 200-Yard Individual Medley (IM) and the 100-Yard Breaststroke. Turner Mitten finished 9th in the 500-Yard Freestyle, and 22nd in the 200-Yard Freestyle.

Sofia Krajewski showcased her versatility and determination with impressive performances in her freshman year, earning 12th in the 100-Yard Backstroke and 14th place in the 200-Yard Freestyle. Other notable performances included Iza Lesniewska, who placed 22nd in both the 50-Yard Freestyle and 100-Yard Freestyle, and Michael Navarro-Lenza, who took 22nd in the 100-Yard Butterfly.

Congratulations to all these athletes for qualifying for the State Championships and their overall performance this season!

Angels Devotional Project coming to Diocesan schools

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Each year, one of the initiatives of the Diocese of Venice Department of Education is the development of the devotional and prayer lives of its students through a Diocesan-wide devotional project.

For 2024-2025 the project is about Angels, which focuses on teaching the more than 6,520 Diocesan Catholic school students about Angels and their importance in Salvation History, all in a continued effort to help each student grow closer to Jesus Christ. The underlying theme for the devotional project is from the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel: “Instruct me in the duties and truth of Salvation.”

The focus on the devotion to the Angels is supported by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who has encouraged the devotional project since its inception in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, and Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Director, conducted a Junior Catechist Training session on Nov 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. This brought together selected eighth grade leaders from each of the Diocese’s 12 elementary schools. These Junior Catechists will in turn go into the classroom to teach their younger schoolmates about the Angels, Guardian Angels and Archangels, and how to grow closer to the Lord.

“Angels experience a profound connection with God through an intimate, constant awareness of His presence, characterized by an overwhelming sense of awe, love, and absolute devotion,” Father Belmonte said. “We are all called to answer the invitation of the Lord in our hearts. The Angels are there to support us in this endeavor. In the coming months, these Junior Catechists will be spreading the message of this devotion across the Diocese.”

Falestiny explained that the whole basis for the devotional project can be found in Pslam 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

To emphasize this point, each student in Diocesan elementary schools will receive a pin. The pins are formed in the shape of a shield with a sword held by angel’s wings at the center. At the top reads, “Angel Guard.” Around the base of the shield, it reads: “Protect Me Guardian Angel with the Armor of God.”

Before the training began, Father Belmonte led the Junior Catechists in praying the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel, something he encouraged the eighth-grade leaders to pray regularly.

The Junior Catechists training focused on the tools each will use to teach their classmates the fundamentals about Angels. Lessons are differentiated by grade level and based on the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church.

“Each of these lessons is customized to make Angels cool and interesting for everyone, even the eighth graders,” Falestiny said. The lesson begins by asking the fundamental question – ‘What are Angels?’ A kindergartener might only know them as little babies, the cherubs, but Angels come in all sizes, and everyone has their own Guardian Angel.”

Students in grades 3-5 will delve deeply into the theology and teaching on Angels, while the older students will go further, integrating the lesson with a STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) project that will allow the students to visually represent the “Nine Choirs of Angels” (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Archangels, Principalities, and Angels).

A key tool in the project is the book “How the Angels Got Their Wings,” by Anthony DeStefano. This is an illustrated, entertaining and biblically correct and theologically orthodox introduction to Angels, which Falestiny said will be read by the Junior Catechists in each classroom they visit.

Several teachers were present for the Junior Catechist Training and each school was also provided additional digital resources, including suggested devotional projects and lesson plans to reinforce what the Junior Catechists will teach.

As in previous years, the devotional project will include an art competition. Students will be encouraged to produce artwork based on our Catholic artistic tradition around the Angels. The Junior Catechists and art contest winners will gather in the spring for a Mass and reception.

This is the fifth year Diocesan Catholic schools have participated in a devotional project, with 2023-2024 focused on the Most Holy Rosary, 2022-2023 on the Most Holy Eucharist, 2021-2022 on the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, and 2020-2021 on St. Joseph.

News briefs for the week of November 22, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for students in Fort Myers and Bradenton

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for the students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on Nov. 15, 2024. The Mass was celebrated in the neighboring St. Cecilia Parish church to accommodate all of the students and faculty. Bishop Dewane also celebrated Mass for students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on Nov. 19. These were the latest in a series of Masses Bishop Dewane celebrates at each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools during the first semester of the academic year.

Students welcome Bishop to early Thanksgiving luncheon

The students at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota welcomed Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an early Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 19, 2024. Students, faculty and guests were treated to a choice of turkey with all the trimmings, ham, and pie. Bishop Dewane led everyone in prayer before the meal.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December

The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays, including suggestions on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For details, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers

Support Catholic Charities’ Children’s Center (formerly AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training

The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese of Venice Street Evangelization Training Sessions Dec. 7-8

The Basic Evangelization Training sessions that were postponed due to the hurricane have been rescheduled to December 7 and 8 and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Pope Francis stated that it is the responsibility of every Catholic to share their faith. Representatives from St. Paul Street Evangelization will lead the training in two locations on two consecutive days to provide ample opportunity to attend. Choose either 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic School, 1509 SE 27th St., Cape Coral, or you can opt to attend 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 8, at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia. The training is $25, and this covers a light breakfast and lunch as well as all materials, including the handout book and evangelization supplies. Registration is required online at http://stpaulse.com/venice. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival in Port Charlotte on Dec. 7

Join St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Catholic School for an unforgettable day filled with Mexican-inspired food, beer, activities, and more during their Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024. The school is located at 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. For more information visit www.stcbs.org/festival or contact Alicia Castello at 941-625-5533 ext. 213.

Disaster Relief continues in Diocese

Our Catholic Faith calls each of us to care for those in need and, at this time in particular, for those who are suffering in the wakes of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To donate, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/disasterrelief/. Please know that donations will support charitable relief for the Diocese of Venice and assist in necessary recovery efforts, such as rebuilding and repairing our churches and schools. Your generosity and prayers for the people of the Diocese of Venice are deeply appreciated. Should you wish to donate via check rather than online, you may mail your donation to: Diocese of Venice in Florida/Disaster Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, Florida 34285. If you are in need of help, please visit Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice at catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Mass honors grandparents at Neumann

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Grandparents, a vital link to the past – most importantly to the Faith – were welcomed to St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples for a special celebration.

A Grandparents Day celebration on Nov. 7, 2024, opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in the gymnasium to accommodate the large number of students (426) and the 165 participating grandparents.

Bishop Dewane said he was delighted to see the growth at St. John Neumann and that so many grandparents could see what is available for their grandchildren at the school.

The Mass was dedicated to honor all grandparents, present for the Mass or unable to attend, as well as those who are deceased. Bishop Dewane said it is important to celebrate grandparents knowing the goodness of the love that comes from them.

“They live for the other,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are richer and wiser in those who love us. Pope Francis defines love as willing the good of others. I encourage young people to talk to their grandparents about what love has meant to them. It has made them better, richer, and wiser. These are gifts that come from the Lord. It is through the years of experience that the richness of love is found. In that love, we see the mercy of the Lord.”

Bishop Dewane described the young people as bringing a life, or spark, to the family, creating a rare condition of love and richness that must be nurtured.

“Talk to your grandparents as you mature and grow,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let that relationship, between the grandparent and grandchild, be something that makes each one better and richer in who they are. Let it allow them both to be wiser in the decisions they make going forward in their lives.”

Sister Patricia Roche, FMA, Principal of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, said the school was blessed to have so many grandparents present for the special occasion.

“You are the pillars in society,” Sister Patricia said. “Your grandchildren are a wonderful reflection of you. They are not only good-looking and charming, but they are intelligent with great personalities. You can be very proud of them.”

Mass was followed by a reception for the 165 participating grandparents and their grandchildren. In addition to refreshments, students were encouraged to give their grandparents a tour of the school and classrooms.

One grandmother remarked while on a school tour about how beautiful the Mass was and that it is a blessing that her granddaughter can attend such a wonderful school. “Everyone here is so wonderful and welcoming.”

News briefs for the week of November 15, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Eagle Run supports Bradenton school

The annual St. Joseph Catholic School Eagle Run took place Nov. 8, 2024, in Bradenton. Thanks to parents, St. Joseph Parish and the greater community, the fundraising goal of $35,000 was reached! Students ran a course and played games in the Parish Center as part of the event in support of the school.

Special collection for hurricane relief Nov. 16-17

A special Hurricane Relief Collection will take place during all Masses in the Diocese of Venice on the weekend of Nov. 16-17, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane called for this collection to aid in the recovery following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Coastal areas were flooded and many other areas had significant wind damage. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., has been working to provide assistance at designated sites, distributing water, food, tarps, cleaning supplies, and other basic necessities. The collection will help provide for the continuing needs, as well as the effort of Catholic Charities in providing both immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted.

Theology on Tap Nov. 21 in Sarasota

The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a young adult outreach of the Diocese of Venice, will be 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Big Top Brewing, 3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota. The presentation will be offered by Deacon Kevin McKenney of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota. His talk will focus on the Gospel of Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison, and you visited me.” It is part of the passage where Jesus speaks about the importance of caring for others, emphasizing that acts of kindness and compassion towards those in need are seen as acts of kindness towards Him. There is no cost to attend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941484-1122.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December

The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays, including suggestions on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers

Support Catholic Charities’ African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training

The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

STREAM enhances Diocesan classroom experiences and opportunities

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Visit any one of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools and you will find students engaged in interesting and exciting classroom projects that incorporate a Christ-centered curriculum while using real-world skills in the fields of STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Education, Arts and Mathematics).

The Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” embraces the skills learned through STREAM, creating interdisciplinary learning.

A part of Catholic education for more than a decade, Bishop Frank J. Dewane initiated the effort to use STREAM in all aspects of the Diocesan curriculum. This effort took a major leap forward in 2021 with a robotics program for students of all ages.

Combining the STREAM and Gifts of Christ initiatives helps to develop skills such as leadership, communication, complex problem solving, teamwork and creativity. All of this is being done with a foundation of the Catholic Faith which remains the primary job of all Diocesan schools.

“We have Christ at the center of everything,” Bishop Dewane said. “We accomplish this through our comprehensive Gifts of Christ initiative which enhances the faith and academic life of the students and the entire Diocesan school community. By utilizing STREAM in all aspects of the educational process, a strong Catholic culture is created, providing a Catholic world view, and building moral character. Further, STREAM helps develop the creative imagination of each student.”

Bishop Dewane said his support for the STREAM program, and robotics component, grew out of the concept of preparing students for the future.

“Whether in high school or middle school, we must prepare all of our students to have the skills and exposure to this kind of process,” Bishop Dewane said. “STREAM and robotics introduce the necessary skills to succeed in today’s society and tomorrow’s world. The virtues that are instilled into the very fabric of this program inspires students to apply faith, science, and technology in meaningful ways.”

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the Diocese of Venice is well on its way to becoming the nation’s premier provider of STREAM education.

“This system supports teachers by helping them prepare every student to become a man or woman of God, a person of virtue, who pursues scientific, technological and artistic endeavors founded on Faith,” Father Belmonte said.

Students of all ages are using technology, science and other skills to learn about subjects from religion to physics and everything in between.

An example of this was found recently at two different schools where students did experiments using the air. Pre-kindergarten students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton experimented with how to create bubbles. They used different tools to see who could make the biggest and most bubbles. Meanwhile students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers did their own experiment, this one to figure out how to scientifically prove the amount of oxygen there is in the atmosphere.

Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Director of Curriculum, said the Catholic Faith integration into subjects utilizing STREAM concepts and the Gifts of Christ in all grade levels and subject areas has taken time, but the results are seen in the classroom, and beyond.

“Diocesan Catholic schools are outstanding in placing students ahead of the curve in primary fields while continuing to promote core Catholic values,” Falestiny said. “This initiative is helping students to develop cognitive thought processes and gain skills such as leadership, communication, complex problem solving, teamwork and creativity.”

Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools serve 6,524 students in 15 schools. To learn more, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

News Briefs for the week of November 8, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Announcements

After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:

Father Sebastian Szczawinski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Father Timothy Deutsch, as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist in Naples, effective Oct. 21, 2024.

Father Rodolfo French Naar, as Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, effective Oct. 23, 2024.

Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Catholic Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

Two Diocesan seminarians admitted to Candidacy

Seminarians Alexander J. Baugh and Terry P. Gastauer, in formation for the Diocese of Venice, were among nine to be admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders during a Mass on Oct. 30, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Each seminarian has been approved by his Bishop and will continue studies and formation to become a Catholic priest. In addition, they have demonstrated their intention and dedication to complete their preparation for Holy Orders. The Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders was presided over by Most Reverend David Leon Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas.

Bishop celebrates Mass for three schools

On Oct. 31, 2024, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria on Oct. 31, 2024. In addition, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring on Nov. 4, and Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School on Nov. 5. These are the latest in a series of Masses celebrated at Diocesan Catholic schools at the beginning of the academic year. Additional Masses are scheduled through December.

Special collection for hurricane relief Nov. 16-17

A special Hurricane Relief Collection will take place during all Masses in the Diocese of Venice on the weekend of Nov. 16-17, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane called for this collection to aid in the recovery following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Coastal areas were flooded and many other areas had significant wind damage. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., has been working to provide assistance at designated sites, distributing water, food, tarps, cleaning supplies, and other basic necessities. The collection will help provide for the continuing needs, as well as the effort of Catholic Charities in providing both immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted.

Knights golf tournament benefits Catholic Charities’ Our Mother’s House

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., and Our Mother’s House were among the beneficiaries of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924 Circle of Life Charity Golf Event in October 2024. A check presentation ceremony took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice on Nov. 5.

All Saints Day celebrated at Parishes and schools

Young children dressed as their favorite saints were a common sight during All Saints Day celebrations at Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools and Parishes. Several schools hosted pageants with students often sharing information about their chosen saint.

Civics lessons learned on Election Day

While the nation voted on Nov. 4, 2024, Diocese of Venice Catholic School students went to the polls to participate in their own “election.” Students learned about voting rights, the importance of participating in elections and even cast ballots for their favorite ice cream or superhero. This civics lesson helps keep students informed about this important process.

School diaper drive supports Community Pregnancy Clinics

During the month of October, Respect Life Month, the students at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria collected diapers and wipes for Community Pregnancy Clinics in Naples. The diapers were picked up by Clinics CEO Scott Baier on Oct. 31, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was present to bless the donations which will go to support women and their newborn children throughout Southwest Florida.

Saints and Souls a focus in November

Posted on by Bob Reddy

During the month of November, the Church remembers in a particular way all those who have died, as She celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints and that of All Souls’ Day.

All Saints’ Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 1, a day on which we honor all the Saints in heaven, both those known and unknown. All Saints’ Day is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day. This is followed by the Feast of All Souls on Nov. 2. The month of November is also known as the Month of All Souls in the Universal Church.

All Saints’ Day and the Feast of All Souls were the topic of the Oct. 25, 2024, “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” show on Relevant Radio, when Bishop Frank J. Dewane was joined by special guests, Father John Belmonte, SJ, who is the Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, and Jim Gontis, Diocesan Director of Evangelization. The monthly program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

St. Teresa of Kolkata is seen in this undated photo. (CNS photo/courtesy MotherTeresaMovie.com)

Bishop Dewane shared that All Saints’ Day, together with All Souls’ Day, stems from the belief that the living are linked to those in Heaven. It is vital in Christianity to remember the deceased, especially those who were faithful during their lifetimes.

“During this special remembrance in the Church, we harken back to those men and women who lived particularly good lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Dewane said. “The saints are an important part of Salvation history. This is a time to remember the role the saints play in giving a particular witness to the Lord during their lifetime, particularly as part of their family and society. Christianity has always held up saints in how we should live our lives. Importantly, we need to follow those footsteps and strive to do the same.”

Responding to the oft-heard criticism that Catholics worship the saints, Bishop Dewane said that is not true, but that we ask the saints to intercede on our behalf due to the good lives they led and due to the recognition of their spiritual strength to intercede with the Lord.

The Bishop said he personally prays to his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, as well as to St. Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, and St. Gregory the Great.

Father Belmonte added that is through the Most Holy Eucharist that we are connected to the saints.

“We remember our beloved dead and the saints at that sacred moment,” Father explained. “We pray for them. They pray for us. So, we are united in that most Sacred moment. We worship God but venerate saints in their own holiness while also asking for the intercession for our own needs. It comes together at the Mass in beautiful ways.”

It is during the Mass, that the Church recognizes all the Apostles, and the great saints of the Church, which is the Church truly praying together united with heaven, Father Belmonte added. “That emphasizes the importance of worship and prayer but is veneration, not worshiping the saints.”

Gontis said that in official Church documents the saints are defined as intercessors and models. “They are models to show us how to live and they are powerful prayers for us – God’s Hall of Famers,” Gontis said. “We worship God alone.”

Speaking on the Commemoration of All Souls, Gontis said on this day, the Church remembers and prays for the souls of the faithful departed, especially for those still undergoing purification in purgatory as they await their heavenly rewards.

Purgatory, which is a concept with strong Biblical backing, is mistakenly believed to be a middle ground between heaven and hell, Gontis said.

“It is a vestibule to heaven – the front porch to the mansion,” Gontis continued. “Their salvation is guaranteed. They died sanctified, in a state of holiness, but they still need to be cleansed to be perfectly purified. They wouldn’t even feel right going into heaven until that is taken care of. It is a teaching and reality of both God’s justice and mercy. Our prayers can help them to get to heaven sooner. They can pray for us but they can’t pray for themselves.”

Bishop Dewane said we pray for the souls of those who have died before us – those who have fallen asleep in the Lord – at every Mass.

“Mass is an important time when we celebrate and honor the Communion of Saints,” the Bishop said. “Saints serve the Lord by praying for people. We can pray for people in purgatory so they can advance to a life with the Lord. Some don’t like that because we have to think about dying, but it is addressed in every Mass. Death is part of life.”

Joining in the conversation, Father Belmonte spoke about a devotion of St. Gertrude the Great, a medieval saint and Benedictine abbess. It is said that if anyone learned and recited her simple prayer, a thousand souls would be saved from purgatory.

The “Prayer of St. Gertrude: Releasing Souls from Purgatory” is presented below:

Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.

Father shared that he once had a student who recited the prayer more than a thousand times, keeping tracked each time he said the prayer in a notebook. “It was through this young man that a million souls were saved.”

During November, it is encouraged to have a Mass offered for the intention of the soul of someone who has died. In addition, an indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the dead. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This indulgence is a plenary one from Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 and can be gained on each one of these days.

Bishop encourages students to “pray always”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Diocese of Venice Catholic School students have been given an assignment by Bishop Frank J. Dewane: to be young men and women of prayer.

It is during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Diocesan Catholic schools when Bishop Dewane offers his encouragement to the students, explaining, “It is Jesus who calls you to be young men and women of prayer, not just me. The Lord wants us to communicate with Him. You and I communicate with Jesus Christ through prayer. I don’t ask of you something I don’t think you can do. Are you able to be young men and women of prayer? Can you do that this year?”

An echo of “Yes!!!” was the enthusiastic response at each school.

Explaining why he thought prayer was so important, the Bishop said that each time Jesus made important decisions, He went and prayed to God, His Father. Each of us needs to take the time to reach out to the Lord and to be a person of prayer. When asked by how often one should pray, Jesus always responded: “Pray always.” Words all should live by, the Bishop added.

“Right before Jesus was going to die, He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He knew what was going to happen, He prayed for the assistance from God, to have the grace, the strength and the courage to endure. He received that strength by talking to God, the Father,” Bishop Dewane explained.

“You will find these things also when reaching out to the Lord in prayer. Don’t leave it to somebody else to pray. Do it in the morning, the evening, before meals, before bed. Most importantly, come to Mass each Sunday, because the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest prayer the Universal Church has to offer,” the Bishop concluded.

Following each primary school Mass, the Bishop speaks with the eighth graders, encouraging them to be the leaders of their respective schools and also promoting their attendance to a local Diocesan Catholic high school next year. Bishop Dewane also fields questions from the students before having a group picture taken.

Each academic year, Bishop Dewane celebrates Mass at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools as often as his schedule allows, usually in the fall and again during Lent. The initial Masses this year were at St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy on Oct. 23, 2024, on Oct. 28 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, then on Oct. 30 in Naples at St. Ann Catholic School and St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. Additional Masses are scheduled through December.

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